Desktop Dock for RISC OS Laptops

Want to use your RISC OS laptop as your main machine, but don’t like the cramped keyboards and the small screen, but still enjoy the portability? RISCOSbits are pleased to announce the arrival of the Desktop Dock for RISC OS laptops!

This hardware device turns your RISC OS laptop into a desktop computer with a single connection cable, so that you can use your laptop on a full HD external monitor, with your favourite keyboard and mouse, and any external USB drives and peripherals normally associated with desktop machines, such as printers and scanners.

In addition, it enables ethernet support on your laptop, even if it’s not built in. USB audio in and out (for recording) is also supported.

Instantly create a smart, productive desktop environment for your laptop with your monitor, keyboard, mouse and other external peripherals. Just connect a Full HD monitor (it will actually work at slightly higher resolutions) to the Desktop Dock and use your RISC OS laptop on your monitor with ease. This has been tested with a extensively with the Pinebook, Pi-Top v2, and by a number of beta testers who can confirm it works with a Pinebook Pro.

Proof of concept rudimentary software for RISC OS is in place to enable the use of an external monitor now, but more functional software is in development. Once enhanced software to control the dock has been developed, including auto-sensing, the price of the Desktop Dock is likely to rise to reflect the extra work necessary. Early adopters contributing the introductory price will be given free access to the enhanced software when available.

Ethernet, and USB connectivity is already functional, and USB audio (both playback and recording) is supported by external software.

What it does:

• Allows use of an external display with RISC OS laptops
• Provides Ethernet connectivity for docked devices
• Allows use of external speakers and microphones with USB audio drivers.
• Allows connection of external USB peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, USB hard drives, printers, scanners etc.
• Charges your Pinebook when in use
• Slows the discharge rate of your Pinebook Pro when in use
• Charges your Pinebook or Pinebook Pro when the laptop is turned off

What it doesn’t do:

• Screen mirroring or extending (you can use EITHER the laptop screen or the external monitor, but not both)
• Standard RISC OS audio
• Charge your Pi-Top v2

The package includes

• Docking Station
• Dock to RISC OS laptop connection cable
• DVI to VGA Adapter
• UK Power Supply.
• RISC OS Instruction Manual

Onboard Ports:

x1 DVI Video Port (supports up to 2048 × 1152 resolution at 50Hz via included MDF),
x1 USB Type B port
x1 Ethernet 10/100 RJ45 port
x1 Mic (USB audio in)
x1 Speaker (USB audio out)
x4 USB 2.0 Ports for peripherals including ‘Always On’ ports for charging
x1 Universal Kensington Lock to secure your docking station

Power Supply Requirement: 5v 3a
Includes: AC Adapter with UK Plug

Compatible with:

• Pinebook
• Pinebook Pro
• Pi-Top v2

The dock also works with desktop RISC OS computers, such as the Raspberry Pi, Wandboard, Titanium etc. It is great for hardware and software development cases – store your development work on a single drive attached to the dock, and just connect and boot from any of your different RISC OS systems!

Introductory Price: £49

For further information and to buy your dock, please go to RISCOSbits website

Excellent news. How does the Pinebook Pro attach to the docking station?

Ordered one yesterday don’t forget I would like an Aussie plug if possible, looking forward to trying it out.

This sounds like the perfect compliment to the Pinebook Pro, best get my order in!

How come sound output is causing a problem with the Pinebook Pro?

How does the Pinebook Pro attach to the docking station?

A single cable to the USB post. The testers said either worked. But not the USB c, as that’s not currently data-enabled.

How come sound output is causing a problem with the Pinebook Pro?

My understanding, although I don’t actually have a Pro, is that it’s just not been coded yet. I guess we have to remember the port is not complete and still a ‘work in progress’ – and a very welcome one at that!

But not the USB c, as that’s not currently data-enabled.??

My PineBook Pro USB C seems to work very well with memory sticks and a wifi modem.

Check out Icon Bar for an overview by Mark on the recent talk by Andrew Rawnsley and in particular, the PineBook Pro.

My PineBook Pro USB C seems to work very well with memory sticks and a wifi modem.

As a USB connection, or as full USB C ??

I cannot get the USB to work with a WiFi modem. Have you got a special RISC OS driver for this?

@ Chris Raik Fischer explained the process to me. My Huawei modem stick is E8372h-320 and all I needed to get it talking to the PineBook Pro was USBDevSwp and the EtherUSB version 0.43. Both of which have been developed by Thomas Milius. The modem stick will also work with the PineBook.

@ Steve if you are thinking of video output then the answer is no. Best to check Mark’s report on Andrew’s talk for further details including the use of CD Rom drives.

Just drop Raik a message and he will send you a copy of the files, it work great can go down to Hillarys boat harbour get a coffee and take in the view and still surf the net without any problem, i do get some strange comments like what version of linux is that. This is the first time i have been able to do this with a real Risc OS laptop, since the old A4 that i had when i was running Microbits in Coventry. Happy days only had to wait 35 years.

I don’t think Wifi works – maybe Linux RO – is a way forward for Wifi at the moment.

Does it come pre installed on the Linux side?

My PineBook Pro USB C seems to work very well…

Oh, excellent! That’s good to know!

I cannot get the USB to work with a WiFi modem. Have you got a special RISC OS driver for this?

Look at you inbox. ;-)

Hi andy i am writing this on the pinebook pro in my court yard it is 7.00 pm still about 24c with anice breeze to keeep us cool.
The USB c port on the left works on the pro but not sure it running at USB C speeds but working looking forward to been able to use it on an extrenal monitor have a 36 ultra wide LG to test it on.
There is still no sound but hopefully the dock will cure that in the short term, good battery live on the pro i would recommend it to anyone that needs a laptop to use for some note taking, writing even a big of graphics work so nice to not have to use word of excel just getting away from all the notifications & bull shit all the time is great.
Anyway enough of my waffle time to grab a drink and put my feet up for a weekend of getting used to this laptop.
i hope someone made a video if the meeting the other night that i can watch.
bye for now

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159537886807532&set=a.10150364717947532

So good i sent it twice, sorry to many cool drinks

sorry will work but you have to login to facebook first

Feel free to rearrange the words to make a phrase: hell way no in

hell way no in

:)